As a wellness coach and former uninformed patient, I have a full appreciation of your challenges. I empathize and build a trusting relationship with you from the beginning which is essential to our partnership. As your wellness coach, I empower you to better advocate for yourself in traditional medical settings.

With clinical roots and deep respect for time-honored food traditions, I am a forward thinker and progressive wellness health care provider. I have extensive training in functional nutritional therapy and chronic disease management.

As a functional nutritionist, I respect the relationship between all body systems. I target biochemical pathways and look through a genomic lens for an enhanced personalized approach.
If you believe that nutrition reform is the solution to your pain, I would be honored to take part in your journey to health. I will provide you with expert recommendations, gentle guidance, steadfast support, and a customized road map to help pave your way to transformation.

My yoga journey started when I got diagnosed with Lupus at 23. My doctor told me that I had less than a year to live. This was scary and a pivotal moment in my life. My boyfriend at the time had just proposed to me. I gave him the option to leave me because it is not an easy thing to endure as a couple, yet he stayed. I was given the option to undergo chemotherapy. I chose to do it at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California. My concern was losing my hair and being able to live my life as normally as possible. It was difficult going through it alone. I had to sit in the hospital once a month for eight hours each visit. During one of these visits a lady who was undergoing chemo with me taught me meditation. I figured I was sitting around doing nothing anyways, so I would try it with her. I did not care or understand it at first. I did not know at the time that she had planted a seed. I made it through chemo and was conscious of everything around me daily.

Fast forward to the end of 2014. Things were a mess in my marriage. I started doing drugs and drinking heavily. My marriage felt like a roommate situation. My husband was not around much because he chose his friends over me. We had separate lives and I no longer wanted to participate in his life. I fell out of love. The last few years of our marriage was a blur to me. I was just surviving. I finally asked for a divorce. He wanted to try things again. I had enough. I wanted to go live my life. It was not easy. I loved him but not as my husband. I had to take my power back- though I did not feel that at the time.

In the midst of my divorce, I got a new job and it kept me busy for sometime. I wondered how I was going to do everything on my own. My coworker asked me to go to Yoga with her. I was like sure I would go. I went shopping at Lululemon and bought some Yoga attire. Then I went to Target to get a cute little mat. After work on Wednesday, I went to class with my coworker. The first class I took was Yogalates. I thought to myself this sounds like so much fun! I cannot wait to get into it.

During the class I felt calm. I loved the instructor immediately. She was so intuitive, sweet, and genuine. I am still friends with her to this day. I was struggling through class. I made it a little more than halfway through. I sat there listening to how she taught the class and how calming it felt to have something healthy to do after work.
She finished class with a prayer. She said, “you are right where you need to be. Everything happens for a reason.” It just hit me like a ton of bricks. I needed to be there. I felt like I belonged and found something to help me through this divorce. The very next day, I came back and purchased my monthly yoga pass. I went everyday after work. I did three or four classes after work. I was HOOKED. Eventually, I stopped doing drugs and drinking. I wanted to know everything that Yoga had to offer. Then I wanted to know if they needed help at the studio. I interviewed and got the job, so after work I would take a yoga class then start working at the studio.

What makes me unique is that I’ve struggled with chronic symptoms that doctors dismissed. For example, heart palpitations, bruising, fatigue, missed periods, and swollen joints was considered “normal” by my doctors because I was otherwise young, active, and “healthy.” Once the bloating and constipation arrived on the scene, it was already too late. It was then I was diagnosed with Lupus.

Luckily, I learned that yoga can be beneficial for Lupus patients in a few ways:

Reduced inflammation and pain: Certain yoga poses and breathing exercises have been found to reduce inflammation and pain, which are common symptoms in Lupus patients. Additionally, regular yoga practice may help to reduce the need for pain medication.
Improved flexibility and mobility: Lupus can cause joint stiffness and limited mobility. Regular yoga practice can improve joint flexibility and range of motion, which can help to alleviate some of these symptoms.
Reduced stress and anxiety: Lupus is often associated with stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate symptoms. Yoga is a mind-body practice that has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
Improved overall health: Yoga is a holistic practice that can improve overall health and well-being. It has been found to boost the immune system, improve cardiovascular health, and support mental health.
It’s important to note that every person with Lupus is unique, and the benefits of yoga may vary from person to person. It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise or wellness regimen.
I know first hand the benefits of yoga and can help you find these benefits for yourself.